If you are creating cards or composites in Photoshop or any other image editing software, make sure your file resolution is set to 300 pixels/inch (ppi).
Click for full size image
Why is this important? PPI is tied to the height and width an image will be best printed at. All 3 numbers are important. For example, if you are making a 5×7″ open house invitation, the goal is to create a 5 inch tall by 7 inch wide print at a resolution of 300ppi.
How can you check your work? In Photoshop, select Image->Image Size. If the Document Size shows
Width: 7 inches
Height: 5 inches
Resolution: 72 pixels/inch
The file will not have enough resolution to create a perfect 5×7″ invitation. the solution would be to change your dimensions to 300ppi (click the example on right), then delete and recreate any text or fine artwork that you created in the image. You should also delete and re-insert any images to insure they will display at the correct ppi.
These rules do not apply to photographic images. If you open a camera image for retouching, do not change the resolution of your image, even if it is not 300ppi. It is best to leave your photographs at the original resolution set in your camera.
When to use 300ppi
If you use any of our PSD templates, the resolution is set to 300 pixels/inch automatically. However, if you create a new card or composite from scratch, you much verify your images resolution is set to 300ppi before starting your layout. In some cases, Photoshop File->New may default to 72ppi, which is not a good enough resolution – especially for text.
When to use 150ppi
150 pixels/inch should only be used if you are creating very large items like banners.
When to use 72ppi
72 pixels/inch should only be used for images that will only be viewed online. This not only insures the smallest file size for quick page loading, but will make your images less likely to be copied and printed.
What’s the difference between DPI (dots/inch) and PPI (pixels/inch)?
While there is a technical difference, in digital printing the terms are often used interchangeably. As long as you follow the rules above and use 300, 150 and 72ppi correctly, you won’t have any problems.